Job Details

About LIT

LIT develops high-performance, heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits and optical microsystems that provide significant advantages in cost, size, and functionality over conventional solutions. The team works across design, simulation, fabrication, packaging, and characterization to translate cutting‑edge research into robust products and prototypes. As an early team member, you will collaborate closely with world‑class engineers and scientists and play a central role in building LIT's technical capabilities and culture.

Role and Impact

In this role, you will drive the design, layout, and realization of advanced photonic integrated circuits and subsystems, spanning concept, simulation, tape‑out, and experimental validation. You will work at the interface of design and fabrication: coordinating with the UCSB Nanofab team, guiding process development, and performing key fabrication and process‑integration tasks when needed. You will also collaborate with test and product teams to interpret device measurements, close the loop on design and process improvements, and inform LIT's technical roadmap.

Responsibilities

• Design, lay out, and develop advanced photonic components, integrated circuits and systems for laser, communication, sensing, and quantum applications.
• Use commercial and in‑house simulation tools (e.g., FDTD, eigenmode, and circuit‑level simulators) to model, predict, and optimize device and circuit performance.
• Plan and execute experiments, including wafer‑level, die‑level, and packaged device characterization, to validate designs and guide future iterations.
• Analyze measurement and process data, generate clear test and process reports, and translate findings into design and process refinements.
• Work closely with the UCSB Nanofabrication Facility and related resources to develop, optimize, and maintain fabrication process flows for LIT's heterogeneous photonic platforms.
• Coordinate and guide cleanroom activities, including scheduling, troubleshooting, and directing technicians or students, and perform key fabrication steps yourself when appropriate.
• Design and conduct structured process‑development experiments (e.g., split lots, DOE‑style studies) to improve yield, performance, and robustness of critical device layers and integrations.
• Collaborate with LIT's design team to ensure mask layouts, process assumptions, and design rules are well aligned with fabrication capabilities and constraints.
• Interface with test and product teams to define test structures, interpret performance variations, and diagnose issues with potential process or design roots.
• Contribute to LIT's intellectual property through internal reports, patents, and, where appropriate, external publications and presentations.

What We're Looking For

• An advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong track record in integrated photonics, including design and implementation of photonic integrated circuits.
• Hands‑on experience with photonic device and circuit simulation using physics‑based and circuit‑level tools (e.g., FDTD, EME, eigenmode solvers, circuit simulators).
• Practical cleanroom experience with photonic or semiconductor device fabrication, including lithography and several of etching, deposition, bonding, annealing, or related processes.
• Familiarity with semiconductor physics, device structures (e.g., waveguides, couplers, modulators, lasers, detectors), and how fabrication choices affect performance.
• Experience interpreting device and process data and using it to guide both design and process decisions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across design, fab, and test teams and to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication.

Ideal Additions to Your Skillset

• Experience with heterogeneous integration of III–V devices and die‑bonded thin films (e.g., lithium niobate) on silicon, silicon nitride, or other photonic platforms.
• Background in design of experiments and statistical process control for fabrication or process‑integration work.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for automation, data analysis, and process monitoring.
• Familiarity with photonic and optoelectronic packaging (e.g., fiber attach, flip‑chip, wirebonding) and the associated design and process constraints.
• Exposure to advanced laser measurements, thermal management in photonic devices, or RF/analog electronics relevant to optoelectronic systems.

Why Join LIT

At LIT, you will work on technology with real‑world impact while helping shape the trajectory of a rapidly growing photonics startup. You will have direct access to world‑class nanofabrication infrastructure at UCSB and the opportunity to influence both device architectures and the processes that enable them. LIT offers competitive compensation, meaningful equity, and a collaborative environment that values initiative, technical excellence, and open communication.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume (and an optional brief cover note describing your relevant experience and interests) to ...@L-I-T.co with “Integrated Photonics Scientist – Santa Barbara” in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity and Export Controls

LIT is an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to building and sustaining a diverse, inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This role may involve access to technologies and technical data that are subject to U.S. export control regulations. Eligibility for such access is typically limited to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, or individuals who can obtain the required export authorizations from the relevant U.S. government agencies.